Parents would be charged for delinquent juveniles under new Euclid ordinance

[In the player above, watch previous FOX 8 I-Team coverage of four teens who allegedly rammed a police cruiser and led police on a chase.]

EUCLID , Ohio (WJW) — Under a newly proposed ordinance in Euclid, parents could be charged when their children run afoul of the law.

Council members read the new parental responsibility ordinance for the first time at a July 15 meeting. It allows police to bring charges against parents — starting with a minor misdemeanor, increasing to a third-degree misdemeanor for repeat offenses — after juveniles are found to be delinquent.

In 2021, there were 178 Cuyahoga County Juvenile Court cases involving 119 Euclid children, according to the ordinance. The following year, there were 217 total cases involving 154 Euclid children and including 45 weapon charges and two drug charges.

“The goal of this legislation is to provide a modicum of deterrence by first formally notifying the parent/legal guardian of the juvenile’s criminal activity in hopes that it will be addressed at home,” the ordinance reads. “It will also send a message that this community will no longer tolerate such behavior.”

Read the full ordinance below:

The ordinance establishes parents’ responsibility to keep their kids away from guns and illegal drugs, as well as keep them from assaulting others, stealing or damaging property.

The first time a child is found delinquent in juvenile court or convicted of a crime, police officers are expected to notify the parents — or the adult in charge of the child — in writing about the incident. After that, they would face charges ranging from a minor misdemeanor to a third-degree misdemeanor for repeat offenses.

The rule also gives parents and guardians ways to protect themselves. If they reported the child to authorities or otherwise caused a juvenile complaint to be filed, that can use that in their defense.

The rule wouldn’t apply to children’s services agencies, foster parents, teachers or other school employees.

The city council’s next meeting is scheduled for Aug. 19.

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